Surface pressure measurement system for investigating bridge aerodynamics

Currently, direct full-scale validation of the buffeting wind load on a bridge deck in atmospheric turbulence is limited by the lack of comprehensive field data. A system capable of monitoring wind-induced surface pressures around the bridge deck was developed for an in-service cable-supported bridge. This study describes its design and features in detail, along with some results that illustrate the potential of the experimental setup and the acquired data set. The system was designed for long-term continuous monitoring of three chord-wise strips, each having 12 pressure taps along the side and bottom periphery of the bridge deck girder. Thus, information on the cross-sectional wind loads and their spanwise coherence can be obtained. This experimental setup complements a synchronised array of 3D sonic anemometers and vibration sensors already installed on the bridge, which allows for a direct study of bridge deck aerodynamics. The system is deemed capable of providing valuable full-scale data to improve knowledge of wind load on long-span bridges in atmospheric turbulence.